Kupang, Indonesia: Over 300 consecrated men and women from various countries gathered online for the XIII Religious Life Week, celebrated from February 2-4, 2023 in the Indonesia-Timor Leste Independent Delegation. This seminar, held in conjunction with the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord and the 27th World Day of Consecrated Life, which certainly brought a special reflection on the part of consecrated men and women itself.

The theme of this year’s Religious Life Week was “Consecrated men and women are called to be “artisans of peace.” This theme was inspired by Pope Francis’ address to the Union of Superiors General, where he stated that “the world needs consecrated persons as artisans of peace.”

The seminar was organized under the coordination of Fr. Yohanes DS. Jeramu, cmf, and featured keynote speakers who brought different perspectives to the theme. Fr. Yeremias Nardin, CMF, explored the social context of peace-building, while Fr. Dr. Valens Agino, CMF, examined the topic from a biblical point of view. Fr. Dr. Agustinus Supur, CMF, provided a theological reflection on the topic, and Sr. Dr. M. Caroline Naibaho, KYM, offered guidance on building peace in communities. Lastly, Fr. DR. Andi Suparman, MI, offered a comprehensive reflection on peace-building in today’s world.

Participants from Indonesia, Timor Leste, the Philippines, Australia, Sri Lanka, and Italy joined the seminar, which was conducted online to reach a wider audience. The seminar aimed to provide valuable insights and formation for consecrated individuals in their call to follow Christ and be artisans of peace wherever they may be.